New Testament
Luke 7:48
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
Compare translations
And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
What Luke 7:48 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus addresses a woman who has shown great love and repentance. He assures her that her sins are forgiven, highlighting His authority to forgive. This moment illustrates the transformative power of forgiveness and the importance of faith. The woman's actions demonstrate her deep remorse and gratitude, which Jesus acknowledges. By forgiving her, He not only restores her spiritually but also challenges societal norms regarding sin and redemption. This act emphasizes that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace, regardless of their past. It serves as a reminder that true repentance and love can lead to forgiveness and a new beginning. Jesus' words offer hope to all who feel burdened by their sins, showing that forgiveness is available to anyone who seeks it sincerely. This moment encapsulates the core message of Jesus' ministry: love, acceptance, and the promise of redemption for all who turn to Him.
How to apply Luke 7:48 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek forgiveness for our own sins and to extend grace to others. It reminds us that no one is beyond redemption and that sincere repentance can lead to a fresh start. Embrace the power of forgiveness in your life.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Mary, Jesus' mother

Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 7:48
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 7:48
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 7:48 mean?
In Luke 7:48, Jesus tells a woman that her sins are forgiven, demonstrating His authority to forgive and the transformative power of grace. This moment highlights the importance of love and repentance in receiving forgiveness.
What is the significance of forgiveness in Luke 7:48?
The significance of forgiveness in Luke 7:48 is that it shows Jesus' willingness to forgive anyone who sincerely repents, regardless of their past. It emphasizes that forgiveness is a key aspect of His ministry and offers hope to those burdened by sin.
How does Luke 7:48 relate to repentance?
Luke 7:48 relates to repentance by showing that true remorse and love can lead to forgiveness. The woman's actions reflect her deep regret, which Jesus acknowledges by granting her forgiveness.
What themes are present in Luke 7:48?
The themes present in Luke 7:48 include forgiveness, grace, repentance, love, redemption, and faith. These themes highlight the core message of Jesus' ministry and the hope offered to all who seek forgiveness.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.